Revision as of 03:26, 6 September 2010

Storms River

Storms River

Storms River

Storms River (Stormsriver) is a small village in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. It is located in the Garden Route and functions as the gateway to the Tsitsikamma National Park. Only a short drive east of Knysna, Storms River comprises more than just a village – it is a synonym for anything adventurous and daring, mild or wild. Storms River mouth is spanned by a suspension bridge, offering breathtaking views over rocks and coves and crashing waves of the Indian Ocean. The bridge leads to a lookout point from which sweeping views over a verdant forest and the Storms River camp reward any hike to this area. A first-class Eco-Destination, ecologically sensitive activities such as Bungee Jumping from the Bloukrans River Bridge, and Canopy Tours, are two of the most popular things to do at Storms River and surrounds!

Get in

By car

Located on the N2 the village is easily accessible by car from Port Elizabeth and Cape Town as well as other towns along the Garden Route.

By bus

The main companies stop in Storms River at the petrol station on their Cape Town - Port Elizabeth run. The petrol station is 5km from town, all establishments in Storms River will charge something like R50 for pick up and drop off. The cheaper option: the public bus, drives from Knysna towards Port Elizabeth in the morning, returning to Knysna in the afternoon. The bus stops north of Storms River West (township) on the N2 (which is walking distance), around 7:30AM and 3:30PM, bus fare to PE costs R60, way less than what the main companies charge.

By rail & plane

There is no rail station nor airport in Storms River. Though the nearest train station is at Assegaai, in Kareedouw (40 km), as a stop of the Apple Express [1]. The nearest airports are located either in George or in Port Elizabeth, both 180 km away.

Woodcutters’ Journey, 101 Darnell St, ☎+27 (0)42 281-1836 (adventure@gardenroute.co.za), [3]. Daily 8:30AM, 11:30AM, 2:30PM. Enjoy a tractor-trailer ride down the old Storms River Pass, with a knowledgeable guide and refreshments served next to the river.Morning & afternoon R125pp, lunch R175pp..

Guided walks

Storms River Township Walk, House 252, Storms River West, ☎+27 (0)84 801-6274 (geraldinedamons@gmail.com), [4]. Daily 8AM-5PM. Experience rural township life with local guide Geraldine. Visit the local school, creche, crafters and see how ordinary people live and work.R75pp.

Hiking

Starting at the Forest Station down-town Storms River, all have free self-issue permits at unmanned gates.

Plaatbos Walk. Various options from 800 m to 12 km circular or linear.

Walk to the low water bridge. About 5km, circular, follow the gravel road (the Old Pass) to the picnic site on the banks of the Storms River. Braai facilities and swim in the river.

Goesa Walk. 2 km, easy, passes through indigenous forest.

Mountain biking

A 22km cycle route, starting from Storms River Village, through the old Storms River Pass, passing the low water bridge over the Storms River, all the way to the viewpoint of the Tsitsikamma National Park over Storms River Mouth. From there on you can cycle the same road back, or you could walk down (with your bike) towards the suspension bridge and exit through the rest camp, returning to Storms River Village over the N2. Note: by entering the National Park from the rear, you're not paying entrance fees! Mountain bikes can be hired in town from the Mild2Wild Adventure Center and at all 3 backpackers.

River tubing

River tubing in the Storms River starts around 8AM with a briefing, then you get fitted with wetsuits and other gear, a short 4x4 ride gets you near the river, you'll have to walk the last bit, a very steep decent. When the river is high, you can paddle all the way, when the river is low, tubing becomes more of a 'kloofing' experience. Takes till noon, where get picked up with a 4x4, driven back to town for dry clothes and a well deserved lunch. There are 2 operators in town.

Festivals

Elvis Festival Africa, Corner of Kamassi & Darnell St's, ☎+27 (0)42 281-1711 (info@elvisfestival.co.za), [8]. 30 April - 2 May 2010. Join in the spirit of this unique Festival to have some fun and dress up for this Rock and Roll Era.30 April R60 per adult, 1 May R100 per adult, kids (6-12 yrs) half price and kids under 6 yrs free. 2 May free for all..